Martinez, Maxamiliana “Anna” – Jar with Avanyu (1920’s)

7"w x 4.75"

$ 1,800.00

This is one of the more complex painted jar we have had by Maximiliana “Anna” Martinez, who was a sister of Maria Martinez.   It is fully polished and painted with a water seprent (avanyu), encircling the jar. It is the complexity of the avanyu which makes the piece so distinctive.  Note the fine lines and the clouds above the avanyu.  The jar was fired black and has near-gunmetal appearance.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Anna”.   Why is the work of Anna Martinez important? Interestingly, Maria would often say she was the best painter in the family.  She was married to Cresencio Martinez, who was known for his paintings and was also a brother to Tonita Roybal.  One can begin to see how her talent was easily fostered by those around her making a jar like this simply a classic!

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940